WPS SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
CURRICULUM
WPS SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
CURRICULUM
Wakefield Public Schools follows the Massachusetts History and Social Studies Curriculum Frameworks for our courses.
Link to DESE History Frameworks
Grade 5
The 5th grade Social Studies curriculum focuses on the history of the colonies, the early Republic, the expansion of the United States, the growing sectional conflicts of the 19th century, and the Civil Rights Movement of the mid-20th century. Students study these topics by exploring guiding questions such as, “What is the meaning of the statement, ‘All men are created equal’?” and “Is a person ever justified in disobeying a law?”
Grade 6 and Grade 7
Grades 6 and 7 form a two-year sequence in which students study regions of the world by examining physical geography, nations in the region today, and selected ancient and classical societies before 1000 CE. Regions for grade 6 are: Western Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East; Sub-Saharan Africa; and Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Students investigate guiding questions such as “How does geography affect how societies develop and interact?” and “How have human societies differed from one another across time and regions?” Additional supporting questions appear under each topic. The questions are included to stimulate teachers’ and students’ own questions for discussion and research
Grade 7 continues the sequence from grade 6, studying the development of ancient and classical civilizations and physical geography of Asia, Oceania, and Europe. Students study these topics by exploring guiding questions such as, “How did the concept of self-government develop?” and “Why do empires rise and fall?” Additional supporting questions appear under each topic. The questions are included to stimulate teachers’ and students’ own questions for discussion and research.
Grade 8
Students study the roots and foundations of U.S. democracy, how and why it has developed over time, and the role of individuals in maintaining a healthy democracy. They study these topics by exploring guiding questions such as, “How have concepts of liberty and justice affected the United States democratic system of government?” and “How can power be balanced in government?” Additional supporting questions appear under each topic. The questions are included to stimulate teachers’ and students’ own questions for discussion and research.
Grade 8 Civics Project:
On November 8, 2018, Governor Charlie Baker signed Chapter 296 of the Acts of 2018, An Act to promote and enhance civic engagement, which includes provisions related to student-led civics aligned to the History and Social Science Curriculum Framework.
The law includes the following provisions related to student-led civics projects:
(c) Each public school serving students in the eighth grade and each public high school shall provide not less than 1 student-led, non-partisan civics project for each student; provided, however, that each such project shall be consistent with the history and social science curriculum frameworks adopted by the board pursuant to section 1E of chapter 69 and with structured learning time requirements as required under regulations promulgated by the board of elementary and secondary education. Civics projects may be individual, small group or class wide, and designed to promote a student’s ability to: (i) analyze complex issues; (ii) consider differing points of view; (iii) reason, make logical arguments and support claims using valid evidence; (iv) engage in civil discourse with those who hold opposing positions; and (v) demonstrate an understanding of the connections between federal, state and local policies, including issues that may impact the student’s school or community. Any student choosing not to participate in a particular group or class-wide project shall be offered the opportunity to develop an individual civics project, with apporoval by the principal.
Grade 9 World History Curriculum Guide
Grade 11 USII Curriculum Guide
Philosophy (Elective) Curriculum Guide
Psychology (Elective) Curriculum Guide
AP Psychology (Elective) Curriculum Guide
AP Government (Elective) Curriculum Guide
Sports and Society (Elective) Curriculum Guide
Sociology (Elective)Curriculum Guide
Justice & Criminology (Elective) Curriculum Guide
Genealogy Curriculum Guide (coming soon)
Salem Witch Trials Curriculum Guide (coming soon)